Redshirt junior quarterback Conner Harrell runs down the sideline against Monmouth on Sept. 13.
Kaitlyn Fankboner/Niner Times
Charlotte football’s season just took a major hit with confirmation on Sept. 30 that redshirt sophomore quarterback Conner Harrell is out for the rest of the 2025-26 season. Harrell exited in the second quarter of the game against Rice University on Sept. 18 with what was initially described as a leg injury. He has since been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Before the injury, Harrell had shown flashes of promise as Charlotte’s starter. Through four games, he completed 64-of-96 passes (66.7%) for 737 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions, while also adding 67 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. His ability to extend plays and create with his legs gave the 49ers a dual-threat presence under center that will be difficult to replace.
This injury is compounded by the absence of sophomore running back Henry Rutledge, who is also out for the year with a lower body injury. Rutledge appeared in reduced action earlier in the season, but now Charlotte loses one of its anticipated workhorses in its rushing attack.
What itmeans moving forward
Charlotte now turns to redshirt sophomore quarterback Grayson Loftis, or junior quarterback Zach Wilcke, to carry the offense. Loftis, a transfer from Duke University, has already seen some action in three games this season. In relief of Harrell, he has gone 23-of-44 in passing with one touchdown and two interceptions. As a more traditional pocket passer, Charlotte’s offensive scheme will need to shift slightly to suit Loftis’ strengths. It is also worth mentioning that the offensive line needs to improve for Loftis to implement his strengths.
Wilcke, a junior college transfer who also competed for the starting job in the preseason, gives Charlotte a secondary option under center. While Loftis offers consistency and the experience as an FBS quarterback, Wilcke brings another dimension and serves as an insurance policy should injuries or performance issues arise.
Coach Albin’s stance and leadership
In dealing with this injury, Head Coach Tim Albin will play a major role in maintaining confidence and continuity. Earlier in the season, when selecting Harrell as the starter, Albin said that regardless of who was taking the first team snaps, the staff would “call the plays needed to win the game” and emphasized building around the quarterback rather than forcing a certain style or scheme. With Harrell sidelined, that philosophy may become even more important.
“Our football team hasn’t splintered, will not splinter,” Albin said. “I’ve had a record of this before and I’m repeating myself that if we work hard we will improve.”
Albin’s calling card is emphasizing fundamentals, adaptability and “letting the guys around him help him” which could translate to more collaborative game planning between quarterbacks, receivers and his offensive line.
Outlook and challenges ahead
Losing Harrell removes a dual-threat playmaker whose legs often extended crucial drives. The offense now has to rely heavily on structure, timing and decision making.Without Rutledge, the run game loses a piece of its anticipated rotation, putting more on the offense and the coordinators to carry consistent production.
Coach Albin and his staff must rally the roster and emphasize ball security and situational football. Without Harrell, the margin for error shrinks, but it creates room for Loftis and Wilcke to step up and coaching built around flexibility. If Loftis or Wilcke settle in quickly under Coach Albin’s guidance, Charlotte will have the pieces to make the remainder of the season meaningful.
Up next
Charlotte now turns the page to a tough road test at the University of South Florida on Oct. 3. The Bulls bring one of the American Conference’s most explosive offenses, led by senior quarterback Byrum Brown, which will challenge the 49ers’ defense through four quarters.
“They play extremely hard, that’s probably their most impressive trait…their tempo on offense is hard to duplicate,” Albin said.
For Charlotte, the focus will be on protecting new signal callers Loftis and Wilcke while finding offensive balance without Harrell and Rutledge. How quickly the 49ers adapt will go a long way in determining whether they can stay competitive in conference play.
The 49ers take on the Bulls on Oct. 3 in Tampa for a Friday night showdown at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2 and on the radio at 92.7 WFNZ.